The invention addresses the problem of air filtration and decontamination as required immediately for the COVID-19 pandemic but also will be useful in a variety of applications. Air (1) to the apparatus (100) enters and passes through an optional pre-filter (2) and through a one-way air “check” valve (3). The incoming air (1) then enters the counter-flow heat exchange path (4) and proceeds towards the heating chamber (6). As air enters the heating chamber (6), it immediately encounters heating elements (7). Upon encountering the heating chamber (6), the incoming air, which has been pre-heated by the exiting air, is heated to the desired temperature and exits via the return path (5). Upon completing the path through the exit path for the air, the air is now cooled to the desired exit temperature, for example within a few degrees of the incoming air, and is at a temperature suitable to exit (11) and be delivered to a user. This air may not have the virus removed from it, but the virus will be rendered harmless at this point. The invention is applicable in other contexts. For example, the operation of these systems can generally be reversed to decontaminate air including air exhaled by a user. This may be used in conjunction with a mask worn by a patient or an isolation chamber at least partially enclosing a patient, e.g., a patient room(s) or a tent erected over a patient gurney or bed.

The multifunctional respiratory mask according to the invention for separating fine dust, pollen and/or viruses from breathing air has a shielding device that forms an outer and/or inner air chamber in the face region of a wearer and shields it from the environment against fine dust, pollen and/or viruses. In addition, a forehead bracket is provided having a housing arranged in the region of the forehead of the wearer and having two holding brackets, each formed laterally thereon, in the manner of eyeglass temples. A connecting line connects the housing with the air chamber closest to the face of the wearer, wherein at least one blower integrated into an air duct, a power supply, and a textile filter element are arranged in the housing. In addition, a metal plate filter element is arranged in the air duct, which forms a filter unit with the textile filter element, wherein the metal plate filter element and the textile filter element are arranged to be individually exchangeable in the housing and the power supply applies a voltage to the metal plate filter element by means of a switch or disconnects it therefrom and/or, when switched on, heats it to a temperature of at least 60° C.

The multifunctional respiratory mask according to the invention for separating fine dust, pollen and/or viruses from breathing air has a shielding device that forms an outer and/or inner air chamber in the face region of a wearer and shields it from the environment against fine dust, pollen and/or viruses. In addition, a forehead bracket is provided having a housing arranged in the region of the forehead of the wearer and having two holding brackets, each formed laterally thereon, in the manner of eyeglass temples. A connecting line connects the housing with the air chamber closest to the face of the wearer, wherein at least one blower integrated into an air duct, a power supply, and a textile filter element are arranged in the housing. In addition, a metal plate filter element is arranged in the air duct, which forms a filter unit with the textile filter element, wherein the metal plate filter element and the textile filter element are arranged to be individually exchangeable in the housing and the power supply applies a voltage to the metal plate filter element by means of a switch or disconnects it therefrom and/or, when switched on, heats it to a temperature of at least 60° C.

Personal protective systems for filtering incoming air flow to the user are provided. The personal protective systems include head gear shaped to be worn over the head of a user, a tube having a first end operatively connected to the head gear and a second end operatively connected to an air supply unit, where the air supply unit is configured to propel filtered air through the tube to the head gear, thereby creating an overpressure inside the head gear and protecting the user from transmission of harmful airborne particles.

Personal protective systems for filtering incoming air flow to the user are provided. The personal protective systems include head gear shaped to be worn over the head of a user, a tube having a first end operatively connected to the head gear and a second end operatively connected to an air supply unit, where the air supply unit is configured to propel filtered air through the tube to the head gear, thereby creating an overpressure inside the head gear and protecting the user from transmission of harmful airborne particles.

Described are concepts that generally relate to a personal positive pressure purified air environment for airplane travel. Simply put, certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to connecting a tube to an airplane air vent at one end and a clear plastic hood, mask, or helmet at the other end. The clear plastic hood, mask, or helmet all have an exit path for the air to flow out. In relation to the clear plastic hood embodiment, it is envisioned that the clear plastic hood can simply drape over person's head with the hood's opening at or above a person shoulder while positive pressure from the filtered air constantly flows out from the hood's opening.

Described are concepts that generally relate to a personal positive pressure purified air environment for airplane travel. Simply put, certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to connecting a tube to an airplane air vent at one end and a clear plastic hood, mask, or helmet at the other end. The clear plastic hood, mask, or helmet all have an exit path for the air to flow out. In relation to the clear plastic hood embodiment, it is envisioned that the clear plastic hood can simply drape over person's head with the hood's opening at or above a person shoulder while positive pressure from the filtered air constantly flows out from the hood's opening.

There is provided a respiratory protection device comprising a mask body defining a breathable air zone for a wearer and having a front cover; an exhale valve in fluid communication with the breathable air zone; and a seal check mechanism disposed in the front cover, where the seal check mechanism comprises a button associated with a flap such that, when actuated, the flap biases the exhale valve in a closed position. There is provided in some embodiments a plane of the button intersecting with a plane of the exhale valve. There is also provided in some embodiments the button and the plunger being a monolithic part.

A breathing gas delivery system comprising a gas flow controller and at least one breathing apparatus. The gas flow controller has a body having an on/off switch, at least one gas input, and at least one gas output. The breathing apparatus comprises a T-shaped gas input having a body with two arms and a free end, a breathing bag coupled to the free end of the T-shaped gas input, a length of tubing having two opposed ends, wherein one end is coupled to the other arm of the T-shaped gas input, a filter coupled the length of tubing, and a nasal assembly coupled to the filter.

A pathogen protection device includes an enclosure made of air-tight material configured to seal a user's head from the outside and allow the user to see through; and a filter is disposed on a wall of the enclosure to allow filtered air to enter and exit the enclosure.